Backpack with integral raingear

ABSTRACT

A backpack including integral raingear includes a securing tabs for rapid deployment of the raingear. The securing tabs are attached to pull-strings that are used to deploy the raingear. A front half of the raingear is pulled over the users head and drapes down around the front of the user. The rear half of the raingear drapes down over the backpack and the hind-side of the user to prevent the back of the user and contents of the backpack from becoming wet. When deployed, fastening devices are used to fasten the front and back halves of the raingear together.

[0001] There are no related applications.

[0002] This invention was not subject to federal research and development funding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of backpacks. More particularly, the invention relates to backpacks that are equipped with integral raingear that may be quickly deployed when necessary.

[0004] Many backpacks include deployable raingear that may be donned when a downburst occurs. However, these backpacks either require assistance of a second individual to deploy the raingear or require the user to remove the backpack before the raingear is deployed. When a sudden downburst occurs, a user may be soaked before the raingear is deployed.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,112 to Christodoulou et al. discloses a convertible backpack having a storage compartment for a raincoat in front of the pack covered by a completely detachable totebag. The raincoat is held fast in the storage compartment by fastening straps that can also be used to support the totebag at the bottom of the pack when the raincoat is worn. The raincoat disclosed in Christodoulou cannot be quickly deployed without the assistance of another.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,969 to Greenberger discloses a backpack that is convertible between a backpack mode and a backpack and protective outerwear mode. The protective outerwear is stored inside of a first pocket. The Greenberger invention suffers from the same problems associated with the Christodoulou invention, in that it cannot be quickly deployed without the assistance of another.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,111 to Lieberman discloses a backpack with integral garment. In Lieberman, the integral garment is stored in an internal compartment formed continuously along a central panel on the inside of the backpack. The garment may be deployed without removing the backpack from the user's back. However, the Lieberman invention is difficult to deploy by the user since the pocket that stores the garment is zippered and near the user's back. Moreover, the pack must be constructed of waterproof material since the garment does not cover the pack.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The convertible backpack of the present invention is versatile and durable. Adjustable shoulder straps are attached to the backpack. In a first embodiment, the raingear is stored in a pocket atop the backpack. The user pulls a cord or tab to deploy the raingear. A forward portion of the raingear comprises a hood that is pulled over the head of the user. An aft portion of the raingear drapes down over the backpack to protect the contents therein from becoming moist. The forward and aft sections then may be buttoned or snapped together to create a ponch-type rain protector.

[0009] In the second embodiment, a detachable roll or covering is affixed to the shoulder straps of the backpack at a location behind the neck or head of the user. The raingear is contained in the roll or covering. The detachable roll includes a means for securing it to the shoulder straps. It also includes a quick deployment means such as those mentioned above with respect to the first embodiment. It should be noted that the second embodiment may be affixed to fishing or hunting vests as well as other types of outdoor apparel.

[0010] It is an aim of the invention to provide a convertible backpack that has improved features as well as additional features over the previous backpacks.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a backpack that incorporates raingear into the backpack.

[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a combination backpack and raingear having a deployment means that can be used to readily deploy the raingear to protect the user as well as the contents of the backpack.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide raingear that can be readily attached to a backpack, fishing vest, hunting vest as well as other types of outdoor clothing. The raingear is deployed in rapid fashion and can be easily stored when not in use.

[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used to identify the same or similar parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a backpack.

[0016]FIG. 1B is a side view of a backpack.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a backpack with deployed rain gear.

[0019]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the rain gear.

[0020]FIG. 4B is a second perspective view of the rain gear showing fold lines.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following is the preferred embodiment or best mode for carrying out the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited by the discussion of the preferred embodiment. Certain modifications may be made to the invention without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 1A depicts a backpack 100. The backpack 100 includes adjustable straps 103. The size of the adjustable straps 103 is adjusted by tightening or loosening the free ends 105 of the straps 103 with respect to the adjustment buckles 107. Upper ends 109 of the straps 103 typically rest on the shoulders of a wearer to support the weight of the backpack. A reinforcing member 111 aids in preventing the straps 103 from becoming loose from the backpack 100.

[0024] The backpack 100 includes a loop 113 for hanging or carrying the backpack 100. The backpack includes pockets with interiors that are typically accessed by zippers 115. The backpack 100 is comprised of side wall 117, top panel 119, front panel 121 and rear panel 123.

[0025]FIG. 1B is a side view of FIG. 1A showing the relation of the elements of the backpack 100. Rear panel 123 is clearly shown in this view. Pockets 124 and 125 are accessible via their respective zippers 115.

[0026]FIG. 2 shows the backpack with integral raingear 1. Raingear 3 is affixed to the top of the backpack 100. Typically, the raingear 3 is sewn to the top panel 119. However, it is contemplated that the raingear 3 may be removable affixed to the top panel 119 via Velcro® or other fastening means.

[0027] Securing tabs 5 hold the raingear 3 in a rolled position as shown. Pull strings 7 are attached to the securing tabs 5. To deploy the raingear 3, the user merely pulls on the strings 7 thereby causing an end of the securing tabs to become free and release the raingear 3.

[0028]FIG. 3 shows the raingear 3 in a deployed state. The raingear 3 includes an aft half 3A and a front half 3B. When deployed the two halves 3A and 3B may be snapped together using snap fasteners 13. The general outline or shape of the backpack is depicted in this drawing.

[0029]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the inside of the front half 3B of raingear 3 shown stretched out for ease in understanding the invention. One end of the securing tabs 5 is typically sewn to the inside of raingear via stitching 11. Velcro® or other fastening means 9 are affixed at an opposite end of the securing tabs 5. The raingear is also stitched to the backpack 100 via stitching 11A. Complementary Velcro® strips (not shown) attaches to the inside of aft half 3A of raingear 3. Pull strings 7 are affixed at the free end of the securing tabs 5.

[0030]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the inside of the raingear showing how the raingear is to be folded. Portions 3C and 3D of the raingear 3 are folded at lines A and B respectively. The raingear 3 is then rolled from the bottom towards the top having the hood 20.

[0031] To deploy the raingear, a user merely pulls the pull strings and the rolled raingear is released. The user then pulls the front half of the raingear over his head; the rear half unrolls downward over the backpack. The user can then snap the front and rear halves of the raingear together to create a poncho-type raingear.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the raingear 3 is removably attachable to a backpack, vest or other type of clothing. A first strip of fastening material such as Velcro® 9A is affixed to the raingear 3 for holding in a stored position. A complementary strip of fastening material is shown in broken lines and secures the raingear. The raingear 3 is attached to the straps 103 of the backpack 100 behind the head of the user with a holding strap 15. The holding strap may use hook and latch fastening material such as Velcro® to affix the raingear 3 to the backpack 100.

[0033] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction illustrated and described above. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A backpack comprising: side walls, a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel and a bottom panel; raingear fastened to said backpack such that said raingear is in contact with said top panel when the raingear is in a non-deployed mode, said raingear including at least a front half and a rear half.
 2. The backpack of claim 1 further comprising adjustable straps.
 3. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said raingear is integrally fastened to said backpack.
 4. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said raingear further comprises at least one strap affixed to said raingear for securing said raingear in a non-deployed mode.
 5. The backpack of claim 4 wherein said at least one strap for securing said raingear includes a fastening means.
 6. The backpack of claim 4 wherein said at least one strap includes one free end, said free end being attached to a pull string for deploying the raingear.
 7. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said raingear includes at least fastening means for coupling the front half and rear half together.
 8. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said raingear further comprises a hood.
 9. The backpack of claim 1 wherein when said raingear is in a deployed state the rear half of the raingear covers at least the backpack.
 10. A raingear garment comprising: a front half; a rear half; and, at least one strap for deploying said raingear garment from a non-deployed state.
 11. The raingear garment of claim 10 further comprising fastening means affixed to said at least one strap.
 12. The raingear garment of claim 10 further comprising a strip of hook and latch material affixed on either said front half or said rear half for retaining said garment in a folded or rolled state.
 13. The raingear garment of claim 10 further comprising means for securing said raingear garment to a backpack.
 14. The raingear garment of claim 13 wherein said means for securing said raingear garment to the backpack is a strap.
 15. The raingear garment of claim 10 further comprising a pull string affixed to said at least one strap for deploying said raingear garment from a non-deployed state. 